A major conservation initiative is set to restore 114 hectares of threatened peatland across Falkirk and North Lanarkshire following a £490,000 funding commitment from SP Energy Networks.

Working alongside Buglife Scotland, the 'Slamannan Plateau Restoration' project aims to revitalise rare bog habitats, bolster biodiversity, and support Scotland's climate change targets.

The project focuses on five key sites that have suffered from historical damage. Restoration efforts will include the installation of ditches, tree removal, and the re-establishment of wet conditions necessary for the survival of rare species such as the Large Heath Butterfly and the Bog Sun Jumper Spider. Scheduled to run until March 2027, the programme will utilise specialist contractors and conservation experts while engaging local schools and volunteers in hands-on activities.

Melissa Shaw, Peatland Conservation Officer at Buglife Scotland, said: "Healthy peatlands are vital for both biodiversity and climate action, providing water storage and defence against flooding. With this funding from SP Energy Networks, we can build upon past peatland restoration works surrounding the Slamannan Plateau. We are breathing life back into these unbelievable natural spaces, reconnecting habitats and giving threatened species a fighting chance. Once these places are gone, the wildlife and the magic they hold are gone too – and that's why this work matters so much."

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The Slamannan Plateau is notably the only site in the UK visited by the rare Taiga Bean Goose during the winter months. As part of its broader Denny to Wishaw (DWNO) upgrade project, SP Energy Networks is also funding satellite tagging to track the migration of these birds from Sweden to better understand and protect their seasonal residency.

Gill Renwick, Sustainability Manager at SP Energy Networks, added: "Restoring these peatlands isn't just about protecting rare species – it's about safeguarding a living, breathing part of Scotland's natural heritage.

"Our work to build and maintain the transmission network across central and southern Scotland is vital in the fight against climate change, helping more green energy come online than ever before. We're proud to work hand in hand with Buglife Scotland and local communities to make sure this habitat thrives long into the future."

This initiative forms a core part of SP Energy Networks' "Action Plan for Nature," which targets becoming Nature Positive regarding direct impacts by 2030. The strategy focuses on halting biodiversity loss and delivering substantial habitat enhancements through strategic partnerships.